Texas School Sugary Drink Vending Ban Awaits Governor's Signature

AUSTIN, TX -- The Texas Senate has approved a bill that would prohibit the sale of sugary drinks from vending machines in public elementary and middle schools beginning in September.

Only sweetener-free water, lowfat milk and 100% vegetable and fruit juices would be allowed under the legislation. It would not apply to high schools.

State Sen. Carlos Uresti (D-San Antonio), the Senate sponsor of House Bill 217, called the measure a "big step" forward to addressing childhood obesity and reducing the healthcare costs to treat diabetes and other diseases linked to it.

The proposed legislation covers only new vending contracts. It passed the Senate 24-6 and now goes to Gov. Rick Perry to be signed into law.